Category Archives: News

On May 12, 2020, the Ontario government announced that it is extending the Declaration of Emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. The declaration allows Ontario to continue to enforce current emergency orders, such as restricting retirement and long-term … Continue reading →

On May 12, 2020, HALCO, along with the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA), Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, Canadian Prison Law Association (CPLA), and current federal prisoner Sean Johnston, filed a challenge against the Government of Canada to compel it to … Continue reading →

Effective May 1, 2020, the ODSP/OW Emergency Benefit has been extended until July 2020. The Emergency Benefit is for people who have additional costs related to COVID-19 (e.g., travel costs to pick up essential items for people avoiding public transit, … Continue reading →

The Ontario government has announced that they are extending, until May 19, 2020, all emergency orders that have been put in place under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (Emergency Act). The government first declared a state of emergency … Continue reading →

Medical Coverage for Uninsured People Ontario is paying for medically necessary services for everyone in the province, whether they have government health insurance or not. This applies to services inside and outside of hospital settings. However, some health providers outside of … Continue reading →

On April 28, 2020, 38 human rights, health, prisoner rights, and legal organizations, including HALCO, are calling on British Columbia’s Chief Coroner and  Solicitor General to direct an immediate inquest into the tragic death of a man in Correctional Service … Continue reading →

The Canadian Coalition to Reform HIV Criminalization (CCRHC) outlines why the criminal law should not be used in the name of public health, specifically in the context of COVID-19. The English statement is here. The French statement is here.  

The federal government has announced a number of financial support measures for post-secondary students and recent graduates. These include a Canada Emergency Student Benefit, which will provide support to students and new graduates who are not eligible for the Canada … Continue reading →

The Ontario government has announced that they are extending, until May 6, 2020, all emergency orders that have been put in place under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (Emergency Act). The government first declared a state of emergency … Continue reading →

In coalition with Aboriginal Legal Services, Black Legal Action Centre and Canadian Civil Liberties Association, HALCO sent a letter to Ontario’s Solicitor General outlining serious concern with the decision to provide police and other first responders with identifying information of … Continue reading →